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Canada > Central Canada > Ontario > Ottawa

STAY, DINE, DO: Find a hotel, restaurant or attraction.

Listings to get the most out of the city: where to dine, what to see, where to shop, and more.

Hot Shopping: Beautiful and Affordable Wedding Dresses at David’s Bridal

American wedding dress Mecca David' Bridal has opened its first Ottawa store.

Get ready to say yes to the dress! Popular American retailer David’s Bridal has finally made its way to Canada, so prepare to sift through some seriously amazing gowns at affordable prices (we’re talking $100-$1,600). Whether you’re a bride-to-be or on the hunt for a cute cocktail dress, this store has something for you. Check out one of our favourite lines — White by Vera Wang, sold exclusively at David’s Bridal — and get glam for your big day. 145 Trainyards Dr., Ottawa Trainyards, 613-244-1594.

Hot Dining: Sleek, Chic Downtown Dining at ARC Lounge

Dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients fill the menu at ARC Lounge

Nestled in ARC The.Hotel, ARC Lounge is a chic gem. This downtown restaurant manages to be both sleek and cozy, and is the perfect place for a business meeting over lunch (it’s also a go-to for a romantic dinner or after-work drinks). Known for fresh and local seasonal menus that blend sophistication and creativity, this is a place that is generating increasing buzz. Head over in the morning and order the Arc French Toast — oat and cinnamon crusted cranberry focaccia with maple syrup and orange butter — for a nice wake-up call. 140 Slater St., 613-238-9998.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for April 27 to 29

Friday, April 27
The biannual Ottawa International Writers Festival takes place this weekend and will feature world-renowned writers speaking about their experiences in the field of history, science, fiction, poetry, and more. Some of the big-name draws include Giller Prize-winning author Vincent Lam and CBC correspondent Nahlah Ayed.

In an event that will showcase young Canadian performers, Handel’s opera Giulio Cesare tells the story of seduction and politics. The semi-staged production, put on by Thirteen Strings, is the highlight of the orchestra’s season.

Ana Miura plays at the first-ever Ottawa Grassroots Festival

Saturday, April 28
Folk music takes centre stage at the first-ever Ottawa Grassroots Festival. The event features local talent and includes Ottawa artists such as The Bytown Ukulele Group and Ana Miura.

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Hot Shopping: Made-to-Measure at Indochino’s Pop-Up Store

Bespoke suits at Indochino's Traveling Tailor

It’s said that clothes make the man — but that’s only true if those clothes fit the man. Luckily, finding the perfect bespoke suit is easier than ever thanks to Indochino’s Traveling Tailor, a clever pop-up shop operating in downtown Ottawa this week. Just make an appointment (walk-ins are welcome too), and a team of stylists and tailors will provide a one-on-one consultation and help you put together the perfect suit, shirt, and accessories. And it’ll cost less than you think: basic bespoke suits start at an incredible $379. April 24-28, 8am to 8pm. 151 Slater St., Suite G089. For questions or to book an appointment, contact ottawatt@indochino.com.

Hot Shopping: A Canadian-Made Lotion for Dry Canadian Skin

George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion

It’s no secret Canadian winters can do a number on the skin. Salvage dry limbs with George’s Light Special Moisturizing Lotion, invented by Albertan George Doherty, now carried in Ottawa. A lighter version of George’s Special Dry Skin Cream, this lotion is fragrance-free, gentle enough for everyday use, and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. $2.99 for the 30 ml, $10.99 for the 360 ml, available at Loblaws grocery stores.

Hot Dining: Fantastic Food Fills an Ever-Changing Menu at Allium

Diners can always find something inventive (and delicious) at Allium.

The low-key dining room at Allium has all the makings for a great night: attentive service, delicious food, and a fun atmosphere. The menu changes on the first Thursday of every month, meaning you can make many return visits and try something different each time (they also offer a popular tapas menu on Monday nights). One of the items you don’t have to worry about changing though is the banoffee pie. This to-die-for treat (and local favourite) features a graham cracker crumb crust, banana slices, toffee, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. A perfectly decadent way to end the meal. 87 Holland Ave., 613-792-1313.

Hot Shopping: The Perfect Outfit for Travelling from Green Tree Eco Fashion

Soft, cozy, and easy to layer: ideal duds for the frequent flyer

Travelling has never looked so good, or felt so comfy! If you’re often on the road for business or pleasure, it can be challenging to find the right outfit. Green Tree Eco Fashion tackles this problem with a classic look that features three of their most popular and versatile basics: skinny “Yoga Jeans” by Montreal’s Second Denim Company ($114.99), a long black cami from Part Two ($24.99), and a reversible bamboo wrap (seen here in both short and long styles) by Ecoskin ($179.99). Top with a statement necklace and oversized tote to complete the look. With eco clothing for both men and women, you can feel good about purchases from this boutique, and never have to sacrifice style. 358 Richmond Rd., 613-695-8733.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for April 20 to 22

Friday, April 20
The Ottawa Shakespeare Company stages the most famous assassination story of all time. Julius Caesar, a classic Shakespearean tragedy, tells a story of betrayal and the death of the world’s leader. Experienced actors bring Shakespeare’s timeless story to life at the Centrepointe Theatre.

Evolution Theatre is offering two plays for a single ticket! [boxhead] is about a young geneticist who one day discovers a cardboard box stuck on his head and undergoes many revelations in his quest to remove it. Mary Magdalene and Adventures in Sobriety tells the story of a woman who has spent 2000 years homeless, and discovers spirituality and passion after literally crashing into an AA meeting.

Bring your kids to celebrate Earth Day at the Canadian Children’s Museum. Kids can get their hands dirty with clay, build the city of the future with MEGABloks®, and learn how to make music using everyday items. Activities are available for ages five and under. (more…)

Indulge: Five Luxury Items that are Worth the Splurge

Treat yourself to a day of indulgence in the nation's capital.

You work hard, it’s time to enjoy yourself! From small splurges to big-ticket items, we’ve highlighted five luxury items that — bonus — also make great souvenirs from your trip to Ottawa.

ROAD TO RELAXATION
Nothing says luxury like taking time for yourself (why is that?). In this day and age of smartphones, laptops, and nonstop digital communication, there is no greater feeling than turning off and tuning out to curl up with a magazine. The glossy pages, beautiful photographs, and scintillating stories offer an escape — if only for a little while. Whether you’re reading fodder for the mind or guilty pleasure rags, this act (and its inexpensive price) is one of life’s simplest pleasures. While in Ottawa, a trip to Mags & Fags on Elgin Street is a must. In business for 30 years, this shop carries 4,000 magazine titles that range from obscure and special interest to mainstream favourites. 254 Elgin St., 613-233-9651.

koko chocolates: delicious, rich, and local, too!

GO GOURMET
Local chocolatier Jen Winter has created quite a reputation for her gourmet sweets, koko chocolates. A perfectly grown-up treat that won’t break the bank, her tasty truffles have creamy ganache centres and are dipped or molded in premium Belgian chocolate. Find fine flavours such as Thai Chili, Triple Chocolate, Margarita, Passion Fruit, and more, as well as seasonal offerings. Retails for about $5.25-$6.50 per 3-piece sleeve. Available at The Candy Store, 350 Richmond Rd. in Westboro, and several other locations in Ottawa.
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Hot Date: Ballet Jörgen’s Anastasia

April 18
One of the most fascinating historical tales comes to life in Anastasia by Ballet Jörgen. Told like never before, this is the story of a young Russian Grand Duchess who was born into privilege and then thrust into turmoil when her father, the Tsar, fell from power during the Russian Revolution. Using the company’s signature storytelling and powerful style of dance, this is a compelling representation of a tragic event that was once a captivating historical mystery. $35-$50. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., 613-580-2700. www.shenkmanarts.ca